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Governors State University vs Lake Forest College

Governors State University is a public university in University Park, IL. Lake Forest College is a private college in Lake Forest, IL. Governors State University admits about 48% of applicants and Lake Forest College about 57%, making Governors State University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $12,329 a year at Governors State University after aid, and about $28,673 at Lake Forest College. About 74% of students graduate at Lake Forest College, compared with 21% at Governors State University. Ten years after enrolling, Lake Forest College alumni earn a median of about $61,825, against $58,169 for Governors State University.

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Governors State University

University Park, IL · Public

Lake Forest College

Lake Forest, IL · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
University Park, IL
Lake Forest, IL
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,556
1,813
Acceptance rate
48%
57%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.24–3.94
3.51–4
SAT (middle 50%)
830–1060
1190–1393
ACT (middle 50%)
16–22
28–32
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,329
$28,673
Full cost / yr
$24,227
$70,655
In-state tuition
$12,004
$56,402
Out-of-state tuition
$12,004
$56,402
Application fee
$25
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,563
$19,605
$30k - $48k
$10,933
$20,210
$48k - $75k
$11,705
$21,481
$75k - $110k
$16,741
$26,055
Over $110k
$22,076
$35,341
Outcomes
Graduation rate
21%
74%
Freshman retention
56%
90%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$45,435
$51,324
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,169
$61,825
Median debt at graduation
$18,618
$26,158
Student body
Pell grant recipients
54%
32%
First-generation students
43%
25%
International students
2%
20%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Apr 1
Feb 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Governors State University or Lake Forest College harder to get into?
Governors State University is harder to get into. It admits about 48% of applicants, compared with 57% at Lake Forest College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Governors State University or Lake Forest College?
Governors State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,329 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $28,673 at Lake Forest College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Governors State University and Lake Forest College?
Before aid, Governors State University costs about $24,227 a year and Lake Forest College about $70,655. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Governors State University or Lake Forest College?
Governors State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,563 there, against about $19,605 at Lake Forest College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Governors State University or Lake Forest College?
Governors State University is the larger of the two, with about 2,556 undergraduates against 1,813 at Lake Forest College.
Does Governors State University or Lake Forest College have a better graduation rate?
Lake Forest College has the higher graduation rate, at about 74% against 21% at Governors State University.
Do graduates of Governors State University or Lake Forest College earn more?
Lake Forest College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $61,825 ten years after enrolling, against about $58,169 for Governors State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Governors State University and Lake Forest College require SAT or ACT scores?
Governors State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Lake Forest College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Governors State University and Lake Forest College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 830–1060 at Governors State University and 1190–1393 at Lake Forest College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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Which of these is the better fit for you?

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